We Are The World to Be Sung for Haiti
On January 28, 1985 — after the end of the American Music Awards ceremony — more than 45 artists gathered in the A&M recording studio in Los Angeles to record “We Are The World.” The song’s sales raised millions of dollars to help hungry people in Africa. The song was written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, and its co-production was handled by Quincy Jones. Although Richie’s name is always mentioned in the media as the creator of this beautiful song, in reality only two lines of the song were written by him, and the rest is Michael’s work. (To read more details about this, follow the rest of the article.)
Now Quincy Jones and Lionel Richie are planning to re-record the song with the help of a large number of artists to raise aid for the earthquake victims in Haiti. They have asked the artists not to leave the city after the end of the January 31 Grammy Awards ceremony, which will be held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, so they can join them the next night, February 1, at the nearby Nokia Theatre to record the song. Ken Ehrlich, the Grammy ceremony’s executive producer and Michael’s longtime associate, has expressed hope that more artists will join their group and, like the veterans of 1985, “leave their selfishness at the studio doors.”
Recording the song coincides with the 25th anniversary of “We Are The World.” Michael was supposed to perform the song in a fresh, new way during his London concerts. The recording will take place one night after the tribute to Michael at the Grammys, and the timing of these events will add to its impact. Without a doubt, Michael will be there on the first night of February.
The Story of We Are The World
Quincy Jones was the co-producer of the song. Although it is always said that “We Are The World” was written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, in truth 99% of the song is Michael’s work.
At first, the song was supposed to be created by Michael, Lionel Richie, and Stevie Wonder. Wonder stepped back due to his schedule, and Michael and Lionel began working at the Jacksons’ home in Haynehurst, with Ensigno (Ensinio) getting to work.
Latoya, who witnessed what happened during that time, later revealed that Lionel had only written a short part of the song. Michael wrote 99% of the song, but he never felt the need to say this out loud.
In an interview, Latoya said:
“ I would go into their workroom and realize that they were quiet while working. That was strange because Michael always worked with joy and enthusiasm. The song was very emotional for them.”
Lionel wrote two melodies for the song. Michael added the lyrics and music the same day. Michael said about it:
“I like to work quickly. Without Lionel knowing, I got busy. I couldn’t wait. I went into the room and that very night I came out with a song completed in terms of rhythm, the piano theme, the guitar, and the lyrics.”
Michael then presented his demo to Quincy and Richie, and they were shocked. They didn’t expect Michael to arrange the song that fast. In the end, the song was ready one night after the first recording session.
On January 28, Michael arrived at the studio earlier than everyone else at 9 p.m. to record and sing his part. After the awards ceremony ended, the other artists also arrived. Michael’s sister Latoya and his brothers Jackie, Marlon, Randy, and Tito were also there.
Before entering the studio, the artists read a sign on the entrance door: “Please leave your selfishness behind the door.”
Around 10:30 p.m., the artists were ready to work. At 8 a.m. the next day, the final version of “We Are The World” was successfully completed.
Source: eMJey / Showbiz411.com / wikipedia
Quincy Jones was the co-producer of the song. Although it is always said that “We Are The World” was written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, in truth 99% of the song is Michael’s work.
At first, the song was supposed to be created by Michael, Lionel Richie, and Stevie Wonder. Wonder stepped back due to his schedule, and Michael and Lionel began working at the Jacksons’ home in Haynehurst, with Ensigno (Ensinio) getting to work.
Latoya, who witnessed what happened during that time, later revealed that Lionel had only written a short part of the song. Michael wrote 99% of the song, but he never felt the need to say this out loud.
In an interview, Latoya said:
“ I would go into their workroom and realize that they were quiet while working. That was strange because Michael always worked with joy and enthusiasm. The song was very emotional for them.”
Lionel wrote two melodies for the song. Michael added the lyrics and music the same day. Michael said about it:
“I like to work quickly. Without Lionel knowing, I got busy. I couldn’t wait. I went into the room and that very night I came out with a song completed in terms of rhythm, the piano theme, the guitar, and the lyrics.”
Michael then presented his demo to Quincy and Richie, and they were shocked. They didn’t expect Michael to arrange the song that fast. In the end, the song was ready one night after the first recording session.
On January 28, Michael arrived at the studio earlier than everyone else at 9 p.m. to record and sing his part. After the awards ceremony ended, the other artists also arrived. Michael’s sister Latoya and his brothers Jackie, Marlon, Randy, and Tito were also there.
Before entering the studio, the artists read a sign on the entrance door: “Please leave your selfishness behind the door.”
Around 10:30 p.m., the artists were ready to work. At 8 a.m. the next day, the final version of “We Are The World” was successfully completed.
Source: eMJey / Showbiz411.com / wikipedia